The semantics of expressive interjections in Xitsonga

Abstract

This study explores the world of expressive interjections and their nuanced meanings in Xitsonga. Expressive interjections are essential linguistic components for emotive and informative communication, enabling the conveyance of affective states, and are integral to human expression. The study utilises a descriptive qualitative approach and a curated corpus of written texts from Xitsonga drama works, allowing in-depth analysis of expressive interjections’ meanings. The theoretical underpinning of the study is the relevance theory. The study findings indicate that expressive interjections can be broadly categorised into two groups: positive and negative emotions. Positive emotions take the form of sympathy, happiness, comfort, congratulations, desire and confidence. In contrast, negative emotions include, among others, fear, anger, panic, doubt and interruption. The study also noted that the context in which semantic groups of expressive interjections are used can significantly affect their meaning. These demonstrate that the use of expressive interjections in Xitsonga allows for the expression of mental states.